Finding the Peace of God
Philippians 4:1-9
A Handout
Paul J. Bucknell
Purpose
Philippians 4:1-9: Finding the Peace of God Handout with charts and brief comments. Please note this is in an abbreviated handout form.
Philippians, a simple introduction
If you want a shoddy type of peace, look for an easy-sounding solution. If you want God's satisfying peace, however, then prepare yourselves to be changed and to make changes.
Our troubles are not solved by a superficial peace. Superficial peace is phony peace. Because of this, God's way of creating this genuine peace is unlike the way we normally look for peace.
Let's note the seven steps to find this peace. Paul presents them in two phases.
In phase 1, “Stepping into God’s Peace,” Paul uses five necessary qualities to have the peace of God actually begin to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
In phase 2, “Abiding in the God of Peace,” specific guidelines are provided enabling us to see how to live in God’s peace by our closeness with Him.
Let’s look at phase 1 first.
Stepping into God's Peace
Phase I: Philippians 4:2-7
Phase 1: Philippians 4:1-7
|
Living in Harmony (Phil. 4:1-2) |
Good relationships are vital. The way we relate to man reflects a lot on how we relate with God. |
Application |
Step #2 Helping Godly Coworkers (Phil.4:3) |
Give proper respect and assistance to those doing God's work. |
Application |
Step #3 Rejoicing in the Lord Always (Phil. 4:4) |
Our greatest joy is not in things or circumstances but in the grand person of Jesus Christ. |
Application |
Step #4 Living Graciously (Phil. 4:5) |
Instead of focusing on getting what we want, let’s focus on giving love and patience to the very people who threaten our chance of getting what we want. |
Application |
Step #5 Entrusting our Worries to The Lord (Phil.4:6) |
We are first challenged to stop worrying and secondly charged to entrust these worries into God's gracious care. |
Application . |
Abiding in the God of Peace
Phase II: Philippians 4:8-9
Phase 2: Philippians 4:8-9
Step #6 Focusing on the Truth (Phil. 4:8) |
Paul shifts into a high gear for here the mind is wholly captured on the good and beautiful. |
Application |
Step #7 Practicing the Truth (Phil.4:9) |
The end purpose is not peace of mind but having that peaceful mind that brings forth good works of love. |
Application |
Summary
We can cast our worries aside only to the degree that we embrace the truths of God. We only can cast darkness aside, if we bring in light. As we draw near to the other side, we are not only drawing near to peace, but also are drawing near to God Himself. Finding peace is discovering God. Below is a summary chart of Philippians 4:2-9.
Click to continue to the next article on Philippians
This article is one of many waiting for you to read from the BFF New Testament Library - see below.
